Launchbox offers Acadia students unique opportunities to develop essential entrepreneurial and professional skills. Whether you're interested in launching a business, exploring innovative ideas, or growing as a leader, our programs provide hands-on experience in problem-solving, creativity, and collaboration. Explore our programs below to see what we have to offer and apply today.
Student Opportunities
Project Connect
Project Connect is an experiential learning program that connects local businesses with a student to complete meaningful, project-based work. As a student, you'll be matched with an organization working on a real project or business challenge that aligns with your skills, interests, and career goals. Throughout the experience, you'll apply your knowledge in a professional setting, build valuable workplace skills, and make a meaningful impact while supporting the organization's needs.
Eligibility
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Must be a current Acadia University student.
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Must be able to travel to the work location for the full duration of the work term.
Student Benefit
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Receive a $1,000 honorarium upon successful completion of the work term.
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Real-world job experience through industry projects
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Skills in teamwork, design thinking, communication, and research
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Professional networking opportunities
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Resume-building experience and achievements
Program Timeline
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Week 1: Meet your host organization and set project goals.
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Weeks 2–7: Complete your project while gaining hands-on experience (8 weeks, 7-10 hours/week).
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Week 8: Present your final project and celebrate your achievements.
Eligibility
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Must be a current Acadia University student.
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Must have a business, startup, or business idea you are actively developing.
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Must be committed to participating in the program for its full duration.
Student Benefit
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Receive $1,000 to support your startup, with the opportunity to pitch for an additional $2,000.
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Receive mentorship and feedback from experienced entrepreneurs and industry professionals.
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Develop stronger skills in pitching ideas and presenting confidently.
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Gain practical experience in customer discovery and understanding user needs.
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Build foundational marketing skills and learn how to promote ideas effectively.
Program Timeline
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Innovation Challenge
Businesses share a real-world challenge, opportunity, or goal they are looking to address, giving students the chance to explore and understand a meaningful problem. Working in teams, students conduct research, collaborate on ideas, and develop innovative solutions that respond to the organization’s needs. Throughout the challenge, students apply their creativity, problem-solving skills, and knowledge to create recommendations and present their final solutions to business partners.
Eligibility
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Student Benefit
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Hands-on experience solving real-world industry challenges
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Strengthen teamwork and collaboration skills
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Connect with mentors and community partners through professional networking
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Opportunity to win up to $1,000 in prizes or awards
Program Timeline
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Challenge Launch: Explore a real-world business challenge and begin developing solutions. (Challenges can run from 24 hours to one week.)
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Mentorship: Receive guidance from experienced industry professionals, and apply research and creativity to develop your solution.
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Final Presentations & Judging: Present your solution and receive feedback from industry partners.
More Ways To Be Involved
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Innovation Ambassador
As a Launchbox Ambassador, you'll help build our community by promoting events, supporting projects, and welcoming new members. You'll also have the opportunity to lead your own initiative bringing an idea you're passionate about to life if you believe it will benefit the student body. It's a chance to develop new skills, take on leadership opportunities, and make a real impact on campus.
Volunteer
As a volunteer you will be supporting events, and promoting opportunities. You might assist with event setup, welcome guests, share Launchbox updates on social media, or capture photos and videos during activities. You’ll also have the chance to grow your own skills with support from Launchbox staff and mentors.